Totally Fire!

Totally Fire! 

As we near the end of the Pentecost season, why not take a little time to seek the Holy Spirit? One of God’s gifts is the ability to grow and change forever. Our spiritual journey is and must be, one of growing awareness and the revision of our life’s habits and actions. Moving toward our communion and fellowship with God, we are given the chance for the greatest change of all.

A Desert Father was visited by a young monk seeking his advice.
After describing his "little fast, his little prayer and his little work"
which consisted of weaving baskets,
the younger asked the elder,
"What more should I do?"

To which the older monk replied by raising his hands.
As he did so fire shot forth from his fingers and,
speaking through the flames he said to the young monk,
"Why not become Totally Fire?”

This ancient story is a favorite of mine that attempts to direct our minds and spirits out past the “small and satisfying” to the boundless possibilities of God. We are blessed to be able to take subtle satisfaction in what we achieve; so much more the spiritual satisfaction we feel when we have fulfilled a spiritual discipline. These “little fasts” and “little prayers” have the ability to lead us to new heights or depths of spiritual connectedness, but these “satisfying accomplishments” are only the fore side of a double-edged sword.

The elder monk has posed a question that is far more profound than it might at first seem. Recognizing the younger monk's accomplishments and his dedication, the elder asks not only what could stop the younger from achieving the elder’s state of spiritual maturity, but what has stopped him thus far? What are the factors that have kept the younger so satisfied and stationary in his spiritual growth? At once we feel the brush of the aft blade as the sword swings past.

With love and encouragement the elder monk shows that, while the dedication of the younger has served him well thus far, he may have become dependent on the “little” accomplishments which still lift him spiritually but no longer lead to new heights. The question looks backward as well as forward, challenging his rational assessment as well as his perception. 

We are all meant for grander things! God has given us and continues to provide for us methods of spiritual renewal “that satisfy and delight us,” but these are meant as stepping stones, providing ready passage though doldrums; or stairs on which to climb to new heights. They are points of transition which lead us to a new place and open to us new avenues through which God’s love may be manifest in our lives.

God is shown forth in the fact of our existence and through our own capacity to love. All good things come from God, and we are surrounded by the bountiful witness of grace everyday and every minute. Our journey in spiritual growth is blessed with “little fasts” and “little prayers” that help us through and enable us to climb–and what miraculous provision they are! They are gifts also that move us beyond themselves, until we become Totally Fire!

Blazing for God,

Fr. Bill+